1153
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FOR THE
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
2012–2013–2014–2015
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
No. 104
WEDNESDAY, 3 JUNE 2015
1
The Assembly met at 10 a.m., pursuant to adjournment. A quorum of Members not
being present, the Speaker (Mrs Dunne) ordered the bells to be rung. A quorum
having been formed, the Speaker took the Chair and asked Members to stand in
silence and pray or reflect on their responsibilities to the people of the Australian
Capital Territory.
2
PETITION—STATEMENT BY MEMBER—PAPER
The Clerk announced that the following Member had lodged a petition for
presentation:
Mr Doszpot, from 62 residents, requesting that the Assembly take immediate action to
require the lessee of the Campbell service station site to make the site safe and secure
and keep it safe and secure through regular inspection and repairs, clean up the site
and keep it clean, and bring forward a development application as a matter of urgency
(Pet 8-15).
Mr Doszpot, by leave, made a statement in relation to the petition and presented the
following paper:
Petition which does not conform with the standing orders—Campbell Service station
site—Mr Doszpot (770 signatures).
3
A.C.T. BUDGET
Dr Bourke, pursuant to notice, moved—That this Assembly:
(1)
notes the:
(a)
ACT Budget is for Canberra, the world’s most liveable city;
(b)
Budget demonstrates the contrast in the values between the ACT
Government and the Commonwealth with continued investment in:
www.parliament.act.gov.au/minutes
1154
No. 104—3 June 2015
(2)
(i)
health for Canberra, despite the Commonwealth reneging on
funding commitments;
(ii)
education for Canberra, despite the Commonwealth reneging on
funding commitments;
(iii)
urban renewal for Canberra, demonstrating the pride we feel in our
community; and
(iv)
addressing social inclusion and inequality for Canberra;
(c)
ACT Budget delivers a strong economy as well as prudent financial
management in response to a range of shocks to the ACT community
including addressing the legacy of Mr Fluffy Loose-fill Asbestos;
(d)
slowing of job cuts in the Australian Public Service and the continued
resilience of the private sector provides a sound base for a positive
economic outlook;
(e)
ACT Government’s investment across Canberra, in our suburban shops,
our streets and parks; and
(f)
ACT Budget continues to grow and diversify the economy; and
calls on the ACT Government to continue:
(a)
to provide high quality health and education services to the community;
(b)
renewal of our suburbs and town centres;
(c)
to ensure that Canberra’s renewal and growth is inclusive; and
(d)
to support the increasingly diverse ACT economy with sound and
productive investment.
Debate ensued.
Mr Smyth moved the following amendment: Omit all words after “That this
Assembly”, substitute:
“(1)
(2)
notes the Government’s failure to:
(a)
sustainably manage the ACT Budget resulting in a deficit of
approximately $408 million;
(b)
manage its spending, resulting in increased taxes, rates and charges on
ACT families and businesses;
(c)
diversify the ACT economy after over 13 years in Government—noting
the Chief Minister’s comment that the ACT economy has ‘turned the
corner’ in light of the recent Commonwealth Budget;
(d)
deliver and provide transparency on its capital works spending, preferring
to label these projects as NFP (not fit for publication) in its spending
schedules; and
(e)
deliver on its vision of City to the Lake, with its latest initiative at West
Basin characterised by Western Australia Labor Senator, Glenn Sterle as
‘the beginnings of a detention centre’; and
calls on the Government to detail to the Assembly before the ACT Budget is
passed to disclose:
(a)
its deficit reduction strategy;
No. 104—3 June 2015
1155
(b)
its plan to improve cost of living for ACT families;
(c)
its plan to reduce operating costs for ACT businesses;
(d)
when conveyance duty will be fully abolished; and
(e)
the full cost of the annual availability payment to the Capital Metro
project.”.
Debate continued.
Question—That the amendment be agreed to—put.
The Assembly voted—
AYES, 7
Mr Coe
Ms Lawder
Mr Doszpot
Mr Smyth
Mrs Dunne
Mr Wall
Mr Hanson
NOES, 8
Mr Barr
Mr Corbell
Ms Berry
Ms Fitzharris
Dr Bourke
Mr Gentleman
Ms Burch
Mr Rattenbury
And so it was negatived.
Question—That the motion be agreed to—put and passed.
4
INVESTMENT IN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
Mr Coe, pursuant to notice, moved—That this Assembly:
(1)
notes the need to invest in pedestrian, cycling, bus and road infrastructure
across Canberra; and
(2)
calls on the ACT Government to:
(a)
provide funding for the duplication of Gundaroo Drive from Mirrabei
Drive to the Barton Highway;
(b)
provide funding for a flyover at the Barton Highway roundabout;
(c)
cancel its proposed light rail project; and
(d)
redirect the $51.8 million in funding for light rail to the ACTION bus
network so it can provide better services and better infrastructure for all
Canberrans.
Debate ensued.
Debate interrupted in accordance with standing order 74 and the resumption of the
debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.
5
QUESTIONS
Questions without notice were asked.
6
INVESTMENT IN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion
of Mr Coe (see entry 4)—
Debate resumed.
Question—put.
1156
No. 104—3 June 2015
The Assembly voted—
AYES, 7
Mr Coe
Ms Lawder
Mr Doszpot
Mr Smyth
Mrs Dunne
Mr Wall
Mr Hanson
NOES, 8
Mr Barr
Mr Corbell
Ms Berry
Ms Fitzharris
Dr Bourke
Mr Gentleman
Ms Burch
Mr Rattenbury
And so it was negatived.
7
PUBLIC HOUSING—NORTHBOURNE AVENUE CORRIDOR
Ms Lawder, pursuant to notice, moved—That this Assembly:
(1)
(2)
notes:
(a)
the ACT Government’s pursuit of light rail down the Northbourne
corridor;
(b)
the ACT Government’s public housing program includes selling all public
housing properties along the Northbourne Avenue corridor, which
includes the Dickson Flats and connected vacant land, Dickson Garden
Flats, Owen Flats, Northbourne Flats in Braddon and Northbourne Flats
in Turner;
(c)
the ACT Government’s plans to relocate public housing tenants from the
Northbourne Avenue corridor to public housing properties that are not yet
built;
(d)
the ACT Government’s timeframe for relocation has not yet been
disclosed to residents, who are living with uncertainty;
(e)
that under this Government, these public housing properties have been
allowed to seriously deteriorate to the point where they are almost
uninhabitable;
(f)
the resettlement of public housing tenants may dislocate them from their
community and important services;
(g)
ACT residents who are public housing tenants deserve safe and secure
housing, with access to transport, education and training opportunities,
employment and support services; and
(h)
public housing tenants who are relocated may experience transport
disadvantage and social exclusion; and
calls on the ACT Government to guarantee that no public housing tenants who
wish to remain close to the city or along the Northbourne corridor will be
forcibly resettled to make way for light rail.
Ms Berry (Minister for Housing) moved the following amendment: Omit all words
after “That this Assembly”, substitute:
“(1)
notes:
(a)
the Government’s strong commitment to deliver Stage 1 of the Capital
Metro project from the Canberra CBD to Gungahlin;
(b)
that the Government has entered into an asset recycling initiative with the
Federal Government, and that the proceeds from this initiative will be
directed to the Capital Metro project;
No. 104—3 June 2015
(2)
1157
(c)
that the Government has commenced a major public housing renewal
program, including 1288 older public housing properties across the ACT
which are included in the asset recycling initiative signed with the Federal
Government;
(d)
that the public housing properties included in the public housing renewal
program were built in the early days of Canberra, do not meet the needs
of today’s tenants and are expensive for people to live in due to their poor
energy efficiency and high maintenance costs;
(e)
that the 2015-2016 ACT Budget includes an investment of more than
$159 million for replacement housing for 352 public housing properties
as part of this program;
(f)
that the ACT Government is working closely with tenants of these
properties to identify their housing needs and preferences so that tenants
can be relocated into properties that meet their individual needs, and that
this work will continue for the duration of the housing renewal program;
(g)
that the Government is responding to the needs and preferences of tenants
along the proposed Northbourne Avenue redevelopment sites, by
providing accommodation within the 800 metre corridor (including
Flemington Road), in the inner north and the city, where possible; and
(h)
that the Government will be maintaining the ‘salt and pepper’ approach to
public housing in existing suburbs, and expanding this approach to public
housing in new and developing areas; and
calls on the Government to continue its public housing renewal program so
that public housing tenants are provided with modern housing that meets their
individual needs.”.
Debate continued.
Question—That the amendment be agreed to—put.
The Assembly voted—
Mr Barr
Ms Berry
Dr Bourke
Ms Burch
AYES, 8
Mr Corbell
Ms Fitzharris
Mr Gentleman
Mr Rattenbury
Mr Coe
Mr Doszpot
Mrs Dunne
Mr Hanson
NOES, 7
Ms Lawder
Mr Smyth
Mr Wall
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
Question—That the motion, as amended, viz:
“That this Assembly:
(1)
notes:
(a)
the Government’s strong commitment to deliver Stage 1 of the Capital
Metro project from the Canberra CBD to Gungahlin;
(b)
that the Government has entered into an asset recycling initiative with the
Federal Government, and that the proceeds from this initiative will be
directed to the Capital Metro project;
(c)
that the Government has commenced a major public housing renewal
program, including 1288 older public housing properties across the ACT
1158
No. 104—3 June 2015
which are included in the asset recycling initiative signed with the Federal
Government;
(2)
(d)
that the public housing properties included in the public housing renewal
program were built in the early days of Canberra, do not meet the needs
of today’s tenants and are expensive for people to live in due to their poor
energy efficiency and high maintenance costs;
(e)
that the 2015-2016 ACT Budget includes an investment of more than
$159 million for replacement housing for 352 public housing properties
as part of this program;
(f)
that the ACT Government is working closely with tenants of these
properties to identify their housing needs and preferences so that tenants
can be relocated into properties that meet their individual needs, and that
this work will continue for the duration of the housing renewal program;
(g)
that the Government is responding to the needs and preferences of tenants
along the proposed Northbourne Avenue redevelopment sites, by
providing accommodation within the 800 metre corridor (including
Flemington Road), in the inner north and the city, where possible; and
(h)
that the Government will be maintaining the ‘salt and pepper’ approach to
public housing in existing suburbs, and expanding this approach to public
housing in new and developing areas; and
calls on the Government to continue its public housing renewal program so
that public housing tenants are provided with modern housing that meets their
individual needs.”—
be agreed to—put and passed.
8
WODEN ATHLETICS FACILITY
Mr Doszpot, pursuant to notice, moved—That this Assembly:
(1)
(2)
notes:
(a)
the recent opening of the upgraded Woden Athletics facility;
(b)
that this $7 million facility was originally budgeted for $4.7 million and
frequently promoted as being built to national standards as an elite venue;
(c)
that the construction was to include internal car parking, upgraded
athletics facilities and an improved playing surface for the Woden
Football Club;
(d)
the seating capacity has been reduced by over 50 per cent; and
(e)
the new ground falls short of expectations with a deteriorating playing
surface, no shaded spectator stands, no scoreboard, no additional car
parking and obstructed views for spectators and officials; and
calls on the Government to:
(a)
immediately address the shortcomings of the football playing surface to
allow matches to be played safely for the duration of the current season;
(b)
explain why the seating capacity was reduced and no sun shades installed;
(c)
inform the community how the ground will deal with crowds for major
events such as potential athletics meets and Capital Football events;
No. 104—3 June 2015
1159
(d)
meet the ground users to assess other shortcomings of the grounds; and
(e)
assure Canberra families that local sport and local facilities are as
important to Canberra as international matches and elite level sports.
Mr Rattenbury (Minister for Sport and Recreation) moved the following amendment:
Omit all words after “That this Assembly”, substitute:
“(1)
(2)
notes:
(a)
the upgraded Woden Park was officially opened on 14 February 2015;
(b)
the original budget of $4.5 million was increased to a total of $7 million
to enhance the facilities, and to supplement the user groups’ priorities;
(c)
that the final construction included internal car parking, upgraded
athletics facilities, and improved playing surface for the entire sporting
community;
(d)
that the seating capacity is dependent on need, and is made up of easily
relocatable aluminium bleacher seating which may be moved from site to
site as required;
(e)
there is currently capacity for at least 500 people, and further capacity is
being developed;
(f)
the new grounds provide a resilient drought proof surface that has
received 102.25 hrs of match play for football since February 2015 and is
currently receiving remedial work to aid in strengthening the newly
established grass growth;
(g)
the provision of a scoreboard that could cater to the needs of both football
and athletics was outside the scope of available funds at the time of the
redevelopment; and
(h)
extra internal car parking was included in the redevelopment of Woden
Park, and approximately 1500 car parks are within walking distance; and
calls on the Government to:
(a)
continue to work with Capital Football and Athletics ACT on options for
managing the newly established playing surface;
(b)
continue work underway to accommodate additional bleacher seating on
the eastern side of the park, utilising the relocatable seating units at Sports
and Recreation Services’ disposal to respond to demand as needed;
(c)
continue, in consultation with Athletics ACT, plans to provide shade
cover for the existing seating units;
(d)
continue to regularly meet with ground users to ensure the grounds are
being well managed and maintained; and
(e)
reiterate its commitment to providing high quality sports grounds for use
by local, community, national, international and elite sports.”.
Debate continued.
Amendment agreed to.
Question—That the motion, as amended, viz:
“That this Assembly:
1160
No. 104—3 June 2015
(1)
(2)
notes:
(a)
the upgraded Woden Park was officially opened on 14 February 2015;
(b)
the original budget of $4.5 million was increased to a total of $7 million
to enhance the facilities, and to supplement the user groups’ priorities;
(c)
that the final construction included internal car parking, upgraded
athletics facilities, and improved playing surface for the entire sporting
community;
(d)
that the seating capacity is dependent on need, and is made up of easily
relocatable aluminium bleacher seating which may be moved from site to
site as required;
(e)
there is currently capacity for at least 500 people, and further capacity is
being developed;
(f)
the new grounds provide a resilient drought proof surface that has
received 102.25 hrs of match play for football since February 2015 and is
currently receiving remedial work to aid in strengthening the newly
established grass growth;
(g)
the provision of a scoreboard that could cater to the needs of both football
and athletics was outside the scope of available funds at the time of the
redevelopment; and
(h)
extra internal car parking was included in the redevelopment of Woden
Park, and approximately 1500 car parks are within walking distance; and
calls on the Government to:
(a)
continue to work with Capital Football and Athletics ACT on options for
managing the newly established playing surface;
(b)
continue work underway to accommodate additional bleacher seating on
the eastern side of the park, utilising the relocatable seating units at Sports
and Recreation Services’ disposal to respond to demand as needed;
(c)
continue, in consultation with Athletics ACT, plans to provide shade
cover for the existing seating units;
(d)
continue to regularly meet with ground users to ensure the grounds are
being well managed and maintained; and
(e)
reiterate its commitment to providing high quality sports grounds for use
by local, community, national, international and elite sports.”—
be agreed to—put and passed.
9
URBAN RENEWAL
Ms Fitzharris, pursuant to notice, moved—That this Assembly:
(1)
notes:
(a)
the pride the ACT community feels in our town centres, suburbs and
urban villages;
(b)
that the 2015 ACT Budget invests heavily in renewing our suburbs and
town centres; and
No. 104—3 June 2015
(c)
(2)
1161
that the 2015 ACT Budget provides for more mowing, more cleaning and
more of the municipal services that the Canberra community expect; and
calls on the ACT Government to:
(a)
continue renewal in our suburbs, local shops and town centres; and
(b)
ensure Canberra continues to look and feel like the world’s most liveable
city.
Debate ensued.
Mr Gentleman (Minister for Planning) addressing the Assembly—
Adjournment negatived: It being 6 p.m.—The question was proposed—That the
Assembly do now adjourn.
Ms Burch (Manager of Government Business) requiring the question to be put
forthwith without debate—
Question—put and negatived.
Debate continued.
Question—put and passed.
10
MAGNA CARTA—800TH ANNIVERSARY
Mrs Dunne, pursuant to notice, moved—That this Assembly:
(1)
(2)
notes:
(a)
that 15 June 2015 marks the 800th anniversary of the signing of the
Magna Carta; and
(b)
the historic and legal significance of the Magna Carta; and
affirms the importance of the rule of law to the people of the Australian Capital
Territory.
Debate ensued.
Question—put and passed.
11
ADJOURNMENT
Ms Burch (Manager of Government Business) moved—That the Assembly do now
adjourn.
Debate ensued.
Question—put and passed.
And then the Assembly, at 6.47 p.m., adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m.
1162
No. 104—3 June 2015
MEMBERS’ ATTENDANCE: All Members were present at some time during the sitting,
except Mrs Jones* and Ms Porter*.
*on leave
Tom Duncan
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly